By Isla Storie Jonathan Blackburn
A Scots man who has spent three decades building an incredible collection of sports memorabilia is to sell nearly all of it at auction to raise money for charity. John Horne, from Glasgow , started acquiring pieces in 1995, and has since amassed one of the largest collections of private sports memorabilia in Scotland. It includes signed football shirts and signed photographs of players, and mementos from the worlds of boxing and golf. Over 130 pieces will be auctioned off, with proceeds donated to two charities close to John’s heart- cancer charity The Emmie Smillie Foundation and MND Scotland . His collection began with Old Firm related items. The same year he started collecting, he established his own company, JR Scaffold Services, and has also organised the auction to celebrate its 30th anniversary, reports Glasgow Live . Pieces available to bid on include signed shirts from Graeme Souness , Ronaldo, Jimmy Johnstone, Brian Laudrup, and Lionel Messi, as well as signed photos of players including Diego Maradona, Peter Shilton and George Best. Rare boxing memorabilia, including items signed by Muhammad Ali, and golf mementos from Masters champions are also among the listings. John said: 鈥淭his journey started with Old Firm memorabilia and a desire to support good causes . Over the years, I鈥檝e been lucky to acquire pieces from some of the biggest names in sport. 鈥淓very item holds a story, a moment, a memory, and while it鈥檚 emotional to part with them, this feels like the right time. Giving back has always been part of our company鈥檚 DNA, and this is my way of doing something personal to honour that as we hit 30 years.鈥 He added: 鈥淭he auction will raise funds for the Emmie Smillie Foundation, a tribute to a wonderful young girl taken far too soon. Her dad, Andy Smillie, helped us start our company and our families remain close friends. We鈥檙e also supporting MND Scotland, in memory of Aaron Souttar, another young life lost too early . His parents, Jack and Heather, are dear friends also.鈥 To view the lots and place a bid, visit https://weareeventpal.com/jrgroup .